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Bill targets cyberbullying when off school property
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
Schools could punish students who send harassing text messages to other students while off school grounds under legislation being proposed by state lawmakers.
The legislation also would require districts to provide cyberbullying training to teachers, staff and volunteers.
“While cyberbullying usually takes place outside of school, it disrupts the educational environment and student performance severely,” said Rep. Marian Harris, a Democrat from Columbus. “Victims can’t focus on studies, they miss school, they fail to take advantage of educational or extracurricular opportunities or they drop out of school.
Harris and Rep. Nancy Garland, another Democratic lawmaker from the Columbus area, plan to introduce the legislation in the Ohio House this week. Sen. Teresa Fedor, a Democrat from Toledo, has introduced comparable legislation in the Ohio Senate.
Harris said 18 other states have passed similar laws to thwart students’ use of cell phones and other electronic devices to send messages that are threatening, demeaning or intimidating.
Ohio schools already are required to provide training and educational materials aimed at stopping bullying, but the legislation being introduced in the House would add specific language related to cyberbullying.
It would require districts to develop cyberbullying-specific policies and administrative training.
Additionally, the proposed law would allow parents, students or other witnesses to anonymously report incidents of cyberbullying to school officials, who would dole out punishment to the students involved.